A GMT watch shows two time zones at once: local time on the normal hands, and a second zone on an extra hand that circles the dial once every 24 hours. Rolex built the first for Pan Am pilots in 1954. If you travel, work with people abroad, or have family in another country, it is the most useful complication there is.
How to read one
The fourth hand, usually with an arrow tip, points to a 24-hour scale on the bezel or the dial. Set it to home time and it tells you at a glance whether it is day or night there. On watches with a rotating 24-hour bezel, turning the bezel gives you a third time zone.
"True" GMT vs "caller" GMT
This is the detail that matters when you buy.
- True (or "flyer") GMT: the local hour hand jumps forward or back in one-hour steps without stopping the watch. When you land, you move one hand and you are done. Best for people who travel.
- Caller GMT: the 24-hour hand is the one that sets independently. Better if you stay put and track another zone, for example a colleague's.
The Rolex, Tudor, Longines Zulu Time and Grand Seiko watches below are true GMTs.
The best GMT watches
| Watch | What it offers | In our stock |
|---|---|---|
| Longines Spirit Zulu Time | A true GMT with a chronometer certificate and about 72 hours of power reserve, in 39 and 42 mm. The best value here. | Spirit line: 187 from $1,485 |
| Tudor Black Bay GMT and Black Bay 58 GMT | In-house true GMT with about 70 hours; the 58 GMT is 39 mm and a Master Chronometer | Black Bay line: 553 from $2,025 |
| Grand Seiko GMT | Hi-Beat, Spring Drive and quartz GMTs with exceptional dials and finishing | Sport collection: 40 from $2,200 |
| Rolex GMT-Master II | The original and the most wanted: ceramic two-color bezel, calibre 3285, about 70 hours | 210 from $9,240 |
| Rolex Sky-Dweller | Second time zone plus an annual calendar; the luxury option | 159 from $15,620 |
Omega's Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT and Aqua Terra Worldtimer are also worth a look in the Seamaster collection.
The Rolex bezel nicknames
Rolex GMTs are known by the colors of the bezel: "Pepsi" (blue and red), "Batman" or "Batgirl" (blue and black, on Oyster or Jubilee bracelet), "Root Beer" (brown and black, with Everose gold), and "Sprite" (green and black, with the crown on the left). Our GMT-Master II buying guide lists the references.
Which should you buy?
- Best value: Longines Spirit Zulu Time.
- Best under the price of a Rolex: Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT.
- Best finishing: Grand Seiko.
- The one everyone wants, with the best resale: Rolex GMT-Master II.
- If you want a calendar too: the Rolex Sky-Dweller.
Frequently asked questions
What does GMT mean on a watch?
Greenwich Mean Time. On a watch it means an extra hand that shows a second time zone on a 24-hour scale.
What is a true GMT watch?
One where the main hour hand can be moved in one-hour jumps to set local time, without stopping the watch or disturbing the second time zone.
Is a GMT watch useful if I don't travel?
Yes, if you regularly need to know the time somewhere else. Many owners also simply like the extra hand and the two-color bezel.
Which Rolex GMT is the most popular?
The steel "Pepsi" and "Batman" models are the most requested and sell for well above their list price on the secondary market.
